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Snowbird AdvisorenLoss of OHIP Out-of-Country Coverage Has Implications for Snowbirdshttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/loss-ohip-out-country-coverage-has-implications-snowbirds
The Ontario government confirmed on May 1, 2019 that it will eliminate OHIP’s out-of-country travel insurance coverage after a brief six day public consultation. The change is expected to take effect by Oct. 1, 2019. The government is eliminating out-of-country travel insurance as part of its larger initiative to reduce the provincial deficit and has stated that the cost of administering the program is an inefficient use of taxpayer money. The province has been spending $2.8 million to administer approximately $9 million in claim payments through the program every year. What does OHIP...Tue, 07 May 2019 22:17:00 -0400Snowbird Advisor995cdd40-b1ff-44b8-8fd9-b97f8aa67076Canada to Begin Tracking Snowbird Exits and Entrieshttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/canada-begin-tracking-snowbird-exits-and-entries
You may have noticed several news reports recently about Canada starting to collect exit data on anyone leaving the country by land or air. The official name of the program is the Entry/Exit Initiative and it has actually been in the works since 2011. Snowbirds who spend significant amounts of time in the U.S. (and other countries) should be aware of the new program, as it could have implications in both Canada and the U.S. To help you avoid issues when the program is implemented later this year, we’ve provided some background information and important details that snowbirds should be aware of...Tue, 07 May 2019 21:45:59 -0400Snowbird Advisorfd89f90b-9abd-40e0-8c25-4aa542981e40Why Mexico’s Bay of Banderas is Becoming the New Florida for Canadian Snowbirdshttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/why-mexicos-bay-banderas-becoming-new-florida-canadian-snowbirds
The Bay of Banderas is rapidly becoming the new Florida for many Canadian snowbirds. If you’ve never heard of the Bay of Banderas, it’s a huge bay - 43 kilometres long - on the Pacific Coast of Mexico with Puerto Vallarta at its centre. Puerto Vallarta was first made famous by Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, who fell in love here while making The Night of the Iguana - and who purchased the house they had rented and often returned to for romantic getaways. Many Hollywood celebrities visited here in the Sixties and Puerto Vallarta was suddenly “on the map”. Today, the entire bay area has...Mon, 08 Apr 2019 10:45:43 -0400Snowbird Advisor0701c41c-dc9e-489c-9e88-b29f0a14236bTop Tips for Living the Snowbird Lifestyle on a Budgethttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/top-tips-living-snowbird-lifestyle-budget
Retiring can be quite scary – both from a psychological and economic standpoint. The fear of economic uncertainty can be particularly stressful for older Canadians who want to spend the winter months in warm weather destinations to escape the cold and snow at home, but aren’t sure if they can afford it. The good news is that while you might think living the snowbird lifestyle is beyond your reach financially, there are things you can do to make spending your winters away affordable, even if you have a modest budget. In many cases, all it takes is some research, planning and a willingness to...Sun, 03 Mar 2019 21:55:05 -0500Snowbird Advisor14b6fcaa-5fe8-4fe2-b6b6-e9bb9481b1a9How the Snowbird Lifestyle is Evolving for Canadianshttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/how-snowbird-lifestyle-evolving-canadians
For close to a century, Canadian seniors have been seeking ways to escape the cold Canadian winters. Today’s snowbirds, primarily comprised of the Baby Boomer generation, are re-defining what it means to be a “snowbird” - including how and where they spend their winters, what they do with their time and more. In 2016, the Statistics Canada census revealed that for the first time, seniors outnumber children in Canada. There are now 5.9 million Canadian seniors, compared to 5.8 million Canadians 14 and under. This large and growing generation of snowbirds is different from previous generations...Sun, 03 Mar 2019 21:43:40 -0500Snowbird Advisor404b545b-5b39-4bee-bd63-1573d4b2bbe6A Snowbird Sports Fan’s Guide to Floridahttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/snowbird-sports-fans-guide-florida
If you’re a snowbird who’s a sports fan, Florida has plenty of great options to keep you entertained from October through April. Not only is Florida home to pro Basketball, Hockey, Baseball and Football teams - the state also plays host to the Major League Baseball’s Spring Training Grapefruit League, a major draw for snowbirds. Florida is also home to a number of other professional and college sporting events, including auto racing, golf, tennis and more. You’ll find some of the highlights below. MLB Baseball Spring Training Grapefruit League Depending on where you are in Florida, you can...Mon, 11 Feb 2019 11:26:06 -0500Snowbird Advisor2ee83c0a-02f7-4bb7-8d79-47df85c58021Why Snowbirds should always pay in local currency when offered a choice by retailershttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/why-snowbirds-should-always-pay-local-currency-when-offered-choice-retailers
If you’re a snowbird who uses a Canadian dollar credit card during your winters away, then you need to read this! A growing number of merchants and restaurants are now offering a service (through their credit card processing partners) that allows you to choose to pay in the local currency or in Canadian dollars. Both prices are shown on the credit card processing machine, but unless you’re a foreign exchange rate expert and a math whiz, you probably won’t be able to figure out exactly what the exchange rates and any potential fees are on the spot. And to further complicate things, different...Mon, 11 Feb 2019 11:11:24 -0500Snowbird Advisor9a62ddc1-f40b-47d4-ba04-cd488065bebcSnowbird Destinations in the South Pacific and Southeast Asiahttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/snowbird-destinations-south-pacific-and-southeast-asia
Today’s snowbirds are much more adventurous than their predecessors and many now have the time to explore far away destinations for weeks or months that they’ve never been to or have only visited for a short time. For snowbirds who want to explore farther afield, Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asian countries are all on the map. And because they’re on the other side of the equator, our winter is their summer, making it an ideal time to travel there! If you’re intrigued by this option, we’ve covered some hot-spots in the region where Canadian snowbirds traditionally stay for extended...Mon, 07 Jan 2019 10:22:34 -0500Snowbird Advisor80c28de6-11ca-4dcd-a45a-b3340f0f5928Should Snowbirds Use a Vehicle Transport or Driveaway Service?http://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/should-snowbirds-use-vehicle-transport-or-driveaway-service
Many snowbirds who winter in the U.S. prefer to have their own vehicle with them. But after several years of driving back and forth, the novelty of these road trips can wear off. And sometimes a change in health precludes making long driving trips. The good news is that if you no longer want to (or are unable to) make the long drive, there are still options for getting your car to and from Canada and your U.S. winter destination, with the two most common options being vehicle transport services that ship your car on a transport truck and drive-away services that will drive your car for you....Sat, 08 Dec 2018 17:04:44 -0500Snowbird Advisor78eaac06-a2cb-425f-b971-303b3640be4aA Snowbird’s Guide to the Best Caribbean Destinationshttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/snowbirds-guide-best-caribbean-destinations
The Caribbean has been a winter holiday destination for Canadians for decades. These beautiful islands have a wonderful, year-round tropical climate and each one has its own culture and ambience. And while the Caribbean is not top of mind for many snowbirds, it certainly does attract its share of Canadians for long stays and sailing adventures during the winter. The islands are quite varied geographically and offer unique and interesting history, depending on their colonial past. The region is home to some of the smallest countries in the world - most islands are now fully independent while...Mon, 03 Dec 2018 22:18:45 -0500Snowbird Advisor5ea0e215-91e0-45b0-8591-6b191ca249f9Comparing Vacation Home Financing Options for Snowbirds in the U.S. vs. Canadahttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/comparing-vacation-home-financing-options-snowbirds-us-vs-canada
Every year, a number of Canadian snowbirds decide to take the plunge and buy a U.S. vacation home - either for personal use, as an investment property or a combination of both. And while some can afford to pay cash for their U.S. vacation property, many require some sort of financing to be able to make their purchase. For those snowbirds who require financing to buy their U.S. vacation property, there are three primary options available: Get a mortgage on your Canadian home in CAD Get a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) on your Canadian home in CAD Get a mortgage in the U.S. on the property...Mon, 03 Dec 2018 22:00:22 -0500Snowbird Advisor1630e79b-81f7-49c4-b726-cb292d26103bWhy Snowbirds Should Always Register with Consular Services When Travelling Outside Canadahttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/why-snowbirds-should-always-register-consular-services-when-travelling-outside-canada
Before you head off to your winter destination, it is highly recommended that you register with Canadian Consular Services prior to leaving Canada - although you can also register once you are in your destination. This is particularly true if you are going to exotic destinations in Central and South America or Asia. But even if you are only going to the United States, you should still register. Registering is fast, easy and free. The benefit is that the Canadian government will be able to contact you and provide assistance in the case of emergencies in your destination such as extreme weather...Sun, 04 Nov 2018 22:57:29 -0500Snowbird Advisorb3e5794a-119c-4668-a096-694d540de4bcA Canadian Snowbird’s Guide to Southern Europehttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/canadian-snowbirds-guide-southern-europe
While the majority of Canadian Snowbirds head south to the U.S., Mexico or Central America, some travel across the Atlantic to the warmer winter regions in southern Spain, Portugal, the Canary Islands, Italy, Malta and Cyprus. These destinations are especially popular for winter long-stays in February and March. And since it’s considered off-season in Europe and the Mediterranean until late April or May, you’ll avoid the crowds and find great prices for long-stay rentals and hotels. In fact, some Canadian snowbirds even head to the cooler parts of Europe in the winter months, simply to enjoy...Sun, 04 Nov 2018 22:46:15 -0500Snowbird Advisor4a2ffaf7-9608-4243-a621-b0dac9beb1d9A Canadian Snowbird’s Guide to Buying a New or Used Car in the U.S.http://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/canadian-snowbirds-guide-buying-new-or-used-car-us
After driving or having their vehicles transported back and forth for a few winters, many Canadian snowbirds who own property in the U.S. decide they would prefer the convenience of permanently leaving a vehicle at their winter residence. For snowbirds who decide to go this route, their choices are to import a Canadian vehicle to the U.S. - not a simple process - or to purchase a new or used vehicle in the U.S. to leave at their winter home. While there are pros and cons to both options, buying a car in the U.S. is often the simpler - and in some cases less costly - route to having your own...Sun, 04 Nov 2018 22:24:04 -0500Snowbird Advisor633846a3-ec74-4afe-a35d-b8a5bf25323aCanadian cannabis users and investors could be at risk of being refused entry to the U.S.http://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/news/canadian-cannabis-users-and-investors-could-be-risk-being-refused-entry-us-2018-10-05
There was a flurry of news reports last month warning Canadians that they could be refused entry to the U.S. – or even be barred for life—if they admit to using cannabis or owner or invest in a marijuana business. This has caused some alarm among Snowbirds, some of whom will fall into this category, including the growing number of boomers and seniors who use medical marijuana for a variety of ailments. According to an article in the Financial Post : “ Border guards have broad powers to question Canadians on their current and past drug use and could declare users inadmissible, perhaps for life,...Fri, 05 Oct 2018 11:55:37 -0400Snowbird Advisorb85b4d01-f476-4aa6-b295-5e358c646d5cCruising on the Rhine – Snowbirds are Hopping on the River Cruise Bandwagonhttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/cruising-rhine-snowbirds-are-hopping-river-cruise-bandwagon-0
One snowbird’s river cruise adventure I have just returned from a wonderful trip to Europe that included a river cruise and two city extensions afterwards. This was my second river cruise and I thought Snowbird Advisor members might be interested in hearing more about this immensely popular mode of travel for the 50 plus crowd. Our cruise was with Avalon Waterways and we sailed on board the Tranquility 11 along the Rhine from Basel, Switzerland to Amsterdam. This route includes the fabulous Rhine Gorge, where the river winds through steep hillsides with vineyards and castles lining the route....Fri, 05 Oct 2018 11:47:33 -0400Snowbird Advisorda485251-6f82-41a6-8cf5-a243ded65947Canadian Snowbirds Can Now Visit Cuba on Cruises from Floridahttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/canadian-snowbirds-can-now-visit-cuba-cruises-florida
A growing number of Canadian snowbirds who winter in Florida are taking advantage of a new excursion opportunity - visiting Cuba by cruise ship! While Canadians have been loyal visitors to Cuba for over 40 years now, until very recently Canadians couldn’t visit Cuba by cruise ship if that ship was based in the U.S. – or even calling at a U.S. port. For decades, Americans were unable to visit Cuba except under the most stringent of circumstances, but all of that changed in 2015 when the Obama administration negotiated a deal with Cuba that changed the rules and essentially opened the doors for...Fri, 31 Aug 2018 14:38:40 -0400Snowbird Advisord51af49c-c224-40c6-a2bf-fa6109f056fcA Canadian Snowbird’s Guide to Hotel Rewards Loyalty Programshttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/canadian-snowbirds-guide-hotel-rewards-loyalty-programs
If you’re a Canadian snowbird who drives to and from your winter home each year, you’re likely staying in one or more hotels or motels along the way. However, many snowbirds are missing out on racking up significant rewards, benefits and savings during these hotel stays – for something they are going to do anyways – by not taking full advantage of hotel rewards loyalty programs. Joining a hotel loyalty program is fast, free and easy – it literally takes minutes. You’ll start to receive some benefits simply by becoming a member and earn additional benefits the more you stay at hotels within...Fri, 31 Aug 2018 14:25:18 -0400Snowbird Advisor8f6627ce-9dfe-4556-942c-fdd55c7af1abU.S. Estate Tax Exemption Doubles for Canadian Snowbirdshttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/news/us-estate-tax-exemption-doubles-canadian-snowbirds-2018-08-07
Canadian snowbirds who own U.S. property and pass away leaving a worldwide estate that exceeds a certain value should be aware that they may be subject to the hefty U.S. estate tax of up to 40% . Until recently, Canadians were generally subject to U.S. estate tax if they passed away owning U.S. assets - including U.S. real estate, shares in U.S. corporations or U.S. business assets - valued at over $60,000 USD and their worldwide estate was valued at over $5 million USD. However, in December 2017, President Trump gave an inadvertent (if temporary) gift to wealthier Canadians when he signed...Tue, 07 Aug 2018 15:54:20 -0400Snowbird Advisor7d8551e4-305a-446e-9202-e8e01bcd4ca4Essential Guide to Lesser Known U.S. Snowbird Destinationshttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/essential-guide-lesser-known-us-snowbird-destinations
Not all Canadian snowbirds who spend their winters in the U.S. are looking to settle in the typical “hot” spots (both in terms of temperature and popularity). Some prefer the mild, spring-like weather and unique experiences that can be found in alternate locations. These lesser-known snowbird destinations in the southern U.S. feature many of the same benefits found in the more popular states, such as great beaches, mild climates, and plenty of cultural activities and attractions. Best of all, they are generally more affordable and less crowded in the winter. We’ve created the following guide...Tue, 07 Aug 2018 15:27:39 -0400Snowbird Advisor584bbda8-d5e9-44cd-8ee4-52b34fbac6d7Snowbird Advisor Launches Unique Travel Insurance Solution for Canadian Snowbirdshttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/news/snowbird-advisor-launches-unique-travel-insurance-solution-canadian-snowbirds-2018-08-03
Snowbird Advisor is happy to announce the launch of our new travel insurance service designed to meet the specific needs of Canadian snowbirds, boomers and seniors! Snowbird Advisor Insurance offers a unique combination of travel insurance products, features and benefits to help snowbirds get the right coverage at the right price . At Snowbird Advisor, our mission has always been to educate our members about topics and issues related to the snowbird lifestyle. We plan on bringing the same approach to Snowbird Advisor Insurance by pulling back the curtain and providing you with new insights on...Fri, 03 Aug 2018 14:28:03 -0400Snowbird Advisor6fedd351-fbe3-4b89-8bae-683e9be87f7eUpdate on Snowbird Travel to Nicaraguahttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/news/update-snowbird-travel-nicaragua-2018-07-31
Since publishing our recent article about Snowbird Destinations in Central and South America , we have become aware of increasing violence in Nicaragua due to a resurgence of civil unrest. The Canadian government recently posted a travel advisory suggesting Canadians avoid all non-essential travel to Nicaragua . We recommend snowbirds always check the Government of Canada Travel Advisory Service for up-to-date information on all countries you are thinking of visiting.Tue, 31 Jul 2018 17:16:34 -0400Snowbird Advisora8a7213a-545f-4aaa-a4da-270a78ad09c5Tax & Legal Tips for Canadian Snowbirds Who Rent Out Their U.S. Propertyhttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/tax-legal-tips-canadian-snowbirds-who-rent-out-their-us-property
For Canadian snowbirds who own U.S. vacation properties, renting out those properties for some or most of the year can provide a nice revenue stream. This extra income can help to pay down the purchase price of your property, cover other property expenses or contribute to your snowbird lifestyle. However, renting out your U.S. property also comes with a number of tax, liability and legal matters that must be properly addressed, as failure to address these matters can lead to big headaches and even bigger financial liabilities. Accordingly, snowbirds should always be aware of and deal with the...Wed, 04 Jul 2018 14:14:22 -0400Snowbird Advisor9326392b-07d3-436d-b5b6-04d5983c9b56A Snowbirds Guide to Central and South Americahttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/snowbirds-guide-central-and-south-america
UPDATED: July 31, 2018 A growing number of Canadian snowbirds are choosing to spend their winters in destinations further afield than the southern Unites States. This trend can be attributed in part to the fact that today’s snowbirds are more adventurous than their predecessors and willing to explore lesser known countries. Another contributing factor is that these countries are often more affordable, allowing snowbirds to stretch their retirement savings further for their winter getaways. One of the regions that is attracting an increasing number of Canadian snowbirds is Central America and...Wed, 04 Jul 2018 14:08:09 -0400Snowbird Advisor37e2debc-c172-4ae5-ad91-dd081532055cHow to Unlock Your Canadian Cell Phone - Top Tips for Snowbirdshttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/how-unlock-your-canadian-cell-phone-top-tips-snowbirds
Canadian snowbirds are familiar with the logistical challenges that come with spending all or part of the winter in the U.S., including finding an affordable mobile phone plan to use while you’re away. The major Canadian carriers don't operate in the U.S. and roaming fees can prove to be pretty expensive. For snowbirds, the simple act of unlocking your mobile phone can increase your access to affordable phone plan options. Don't worry - unlocking your phone is both safe and 100 percent legal. Some people confuse “unlocking” with “jailbreaking”. While the former is safe and legal, the latter...Tue, 05 Jun 2018 17:28:23 -0400Snowbird Advisord3ea4055-b189-4bb3-8767-bf14cb39fa81Snowbirds - Keep Your Canadian Citizenship ID With You When Driving in the U.S.http://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/news/snowbirds-keep-your-canadian-citizenship-id-you-when-driving-us-2018-06-05
Snowbirds should take note of a recent cautionary tale that actually happened to a Canadian woman caught speeding on I-75 in Georgia . Canadian student Emily Nield was driving through Georgia to Tennessee on I-75, a very popular snowbird route to get to and from Florida. She was pulled over in Cook County, Georgia for speeding and asked for her driver’s license. When she showed the officer an Ontario licence, she was told her Canadian licence was not acceptable and was then asked to prove she was Canadian. She produced digital copies of her passport, Nexus card, and birth certificate on her...Tue, 05 Jun 2018 17:23:06 -0400Snowbird Advisor56f5be94-7dea-492b-9981-b2fc92a1883eU.S. Real Estate - Ownership Structure Tips for Canadian Snowbirdshttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/us-real-estate-ownership-structure-tips-canadian-snowbirds
Buying a U.S. vacation or investment property can be a great option for many Canadian snowbirds. However, it’s essential to choose the right ownership structure for your U.S. real estate, as choosing the wrong structure can have serious tax and estate planning implications. Below is an overview to give you a better understanding of the many factors and issues you need to consider when deciding how to own your U.S. vacation property, as well as some of the more widely used structures Canadians use to own U.S. real estate. In future articles, we’ll be looking at the pros and cons of each...Tue, 05 Jun 2018 17:12:52 -0400Snowbird Advisorf5b18cc4-8f19-4b66-b2a5-947109f21de1Snowbird Advisor Launches Destination Guide for Canadian Snowbirdshttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/news/snowbird-advisor-launches-destination-guide-canadian-snowbirds-2018-05-07
SnowbirdAdvisor.ca is happy to announce the launch of its Snowbird Destination Guide , featuring overviews of many well known and some not so well-known snowbird destinations. This helpful tool was designed to assist Canadian snowbirds in exploring their winter destination options and help them choose the right destination to match their unique needs and lifestyle. Coming Soon - New Destinations & Features… We will be adding new destinations and features to the Snowbird Destination Guide on a regular basis, so please stay tuned for updates as this resource continues to grow and evolve in the...Mon, 07 May 2018 22:36:26 -0400Snowbird Advisor11fa103a-62cd-4593-8e1d-4b0394fb072dSnowbird Advisor Launches Featured Partners & Services Guide for Canadian Snowbirdshttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/news/snowbird-advisor-launches-featured-partners-services-guide-canadian-snowbirds-2018-05-07
SnowbirdAdvisor.ca is happy to announce the launch of its Featured Partners & Services Guide . The guide will provide Canadian snowbirds with a variety of helpful services, resources and offers from Snowbird Advisor and a carefully selected group of featured partners, all in one place! Categories will include banking and finances, tax and legal services, insurance, real estate, accommodations, travel and much more. Coming Soon – New Services & Resources… We are currently working on a number of exciting new partnerships for our Featured Partners & Services Guide, so please stay tuned for...Mon, 07 May 2018 22:25:18 -0400Snowbird Advisorebce65a1-d7d3-4a97-a3d4-575f932f09b2Auto Insurance Tips for Canadian Snowbirds Driving to the U.S.http://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/auto-insurance-tips-canadian-snowbirds-driving-us
If you’re a typical Canadian snowbird, it’s likely that you will be taking your own vehicle to the U.S. over the winter. But before you head down for the season, it’s a good idea to review your auto insurance coverage with your broker or insurance company to ensure that you have appropriate and sufficient coverage for your vehicle while it is in the U.S. While many snowbirds don’t take the time to do this, you really should, as it can help protect you from potentially devastating costs if you are involved in an accident while in the United States. Start by reading your auto insurance policy...Fri, 27 Apr 2018 23:30:55 -0400Snowbird Advisore4c8e624-59e2-48c6-b060-5f4b40f1a8dcDispelling the Myth of the “30 Day Rule” for Canadian Snowbirdshttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/dispelling-myth-30-day-rule-canadian-snowbirds
Canadian snowbirds who spend their winters in the United States are subject to both U.S. tax and immigration laws, which unfortunately do not align with each other. U.S. immigration law can be complex and difficult to interpret. To further complicate matters, there is a great deal of conflicting information floating around about the application of U.S. immigration laws to snowbirds and how to comply with them. One such example is a “30-day rule” that has caused a significant amount of confusion, stress and anxiety among snowbirds. The goal of this article is to help explain the “30-day rule”...Mon, 09 Apr 2018 15:38:29 -0400Snowbird Advisor5e5666f3-ba5e-4dd6-aad0-9fbbe8920a42The Best Places for Snowbirds to Stop While Driving To and From Arizonahttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/best-places-snowbirds-stop-while-driving-and-arizona
Driving to and from Arizona every year can become a bit boring for Canadian snowbirds – but it doesn’t have to be. Turning the journey into an adventure and discovering one or two new places each time you take that long drive is a fun way to break up your travel. Whether you’re from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, B.C. or anywhere else, there are many spectacular places to stop along the way., We’ve compiled a list (organized by state) of some of the places you might want to stop and explore for a few hours, or even spend a night or two. Of course, depending on your route some of these places...Mon, 09 Apr 2018 15:10:28 -0400Snowbird Advisorffec9f00-ef52-4fcb-96a8-02c5989ae52fTop Canadian Duty & Customs Tips for Snowbirds Returning to Canadahttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/top-canadian-duty-customs-tips-snowbirds-returning-canada
By March and April, most Canadian snowbirds are preparing to make their last trip home for the season. However, one important consideration that is often overlooked by snowbirds returning home in the spring is complying with Canadian duty and customs regulations. Whether you are driving back to Canada or flying home, understanding the duty and customs rules ahead of time is essential to avoid complications and lengthy delays when crossing the border. It can also help you save money and avoid issues in the future when travelling back to Canada. To assist you with your return trips to Canada, we...Mon, 09 Apr 2018 14:57:53 -0400Snowbird Advisor037a2026-41fa-462c-8818-1eec38e259c3The Best Places for Snowbirds to Stop While Driving To and From Floridahttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/best-places-snowbirds-stop-while-driving-and-florida
For many snowbirds, the drive south in the winter and north in the spring is all part of the fun and offers an opportunity to explore along the way. There’s nothing more boring than long hours in the car on the Interstate along with thousands of trucks and cars. Not to mention, it can be very hard on a body that has reached a certain age. ‘Nuff said! If you are driving between Florida and Eastern Canada, chances are you will take one of three primary routes: I-75, I-95 or I-77 & I-79. For those who might like to take the odd break from the long drive home, or who want to turn the drive down or...Thu, 01 Mar 2018 14:04:31 -0500Snowbird Advisor04702375-39df-4f74-8404-19be576812c7Essential Government Forms for Canadian Snowbirdshttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/essential-government-forms-canadian-snowbirds
Depending on your individual needs and unique situation, Canadian snowbirds often require a variety of Canadian and U.S. government forms for tax, immigration, vehicle transport and other purposes. To help make your lives easier, we’ve created the following library of common government forms required by Canadian snowbirds, including links to where you can find each form and an overview of what each form is for. If there are any additional government forms for snowbirds that you commonly use, please contact us so we can add them to the library!Thu, 22 Feb 2018 14:41:23 -0500Snowbird Advisor9f582cad-91e2-4b08-af87-943638547dc8A Snowbird’s Guide to Discovering Hidden Gems in the Florida Panhandlehttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/snowbirds-guide-discovering-hidden-gems-florida-panhandle
It could be argued that Northwest Florida itself is a hidden gem, given that so many snowbirds head further south on the Florida peninsula and have never explored the Panhandle. But for Canadian snowbirds who call the Florida “panhandle” home in the winter, the area has much to offer the visitor including many little-known beaches and attractions and a big dose of Southern charm. The area stretches from the State capital, Tallahassee in the East all the way across to Pensacola in the Western part of the state near the Alabama border and Mobil. It has long expanses of white sand beaches along...Fri, 02 Feb 2018 17:24:23 -0500Snowbird Advisorc6390d20-a6fc-42bf-bc2a-cb9de11eeb2fKnow These Essential Rules for How Long Canadian Snowbirds Can Stay in the U.S.http://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/know-these-essential-rules-how-long-canadian-snowbirds-can-stay-us
UPDATED - February 12, 2018 For Canadian snowbirds who spend their winters in the U.S., it is vital to correctly keep track of how much time you spend in the United States and comply with the applicable tax and immigration rules. Failure to do so can have a number of severe consequences, including extremely negative tax implications, deportation and being denied future entry to the United States. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation circulating about what these rules are and how to comply with them. For many Canadian snowbirds who rely on inaccurate information, it’s usually too...Fri, 02 Feb 2018 17:05:15 -0500Snowbird Advisor714ff33d-a589-4997-9914-02aeb169a193What Are the Best Credit Card Options for Canadian Snowbirds in the U.S.?http://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/what-are-best-credit-card-options-canadian-snowbirds-us
For most purchases, using a credit card is by far the most convenient payment method, not to mention the added benefit of loyalty rewards that many credit cards offer. But for Canadian snowbirds who spend a significant amount of time in the U.S. making purchases in U.S. dollars, not all credit cards are created equal. If you’re a snowbird it’s important to understand the different types of credit card options available to you. Not understanding how these various cards operate can end up costing you money unnecessarily. And you could also be giving up potential rewards and benefits. To help you...Fri, 05 Jan 2018 23:37:41 -0500Snowbird Advisor893727b1-a6bb-4b76-a735-96411fd5e45bA Snowbird’s Guide to Birding During Your Winters in Floridahttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/snowbirds-guide-birding-during-your-winters-florida
Birdwatching – or birding – is one of the favourite pastimes for Canadian snowbirds during the winter months in Florida.Fri, 05 Jan 2018 23:12:11 -0500Snowbird Advisor81c3f054-16bf-4bc4-91e1-5d9f995be135The Essential List of Canadian Snowbird Clubshttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/essential-list-canadian-snowbird-clubs
Local snowbird clubs and organizations in your winter destination can be a great resource for Canadian snowbirds, providing you with access to a community of snowbirds, activities, social events and helpful tips and information. If there’s a local snowbird club in your winter destination, we suggest you check it out to explore the potential benefits. To help you out, we’ve started a list of clubs in popular snowbird destinations that we’ll be updating regularly. If you know of a snowbird club that we haven’t already included, please share it with us so we can add it to our list. Arizona...Fri, 05 Jan 2018 15:21:36 -0500Snowbird Advisor57faa9a0-0723-4c7c-aa90-e8aa400335a9Government resources for Canadian snowbirdshttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/government-resources-canadian-snowbirds
Canadian snowbirds need to consider a number of issues related to spending your winters abroad, including taxes, customs, immigration, health care coverage, emergencies, vehicle registration and more. Finding the right government resources to navigate these issues can be frustrating and time consuming. To help you out and make your life easier, we’ve compiled a handy list of government websites just for snowbirds, broken down by category and country. Embassies, Consulates and Travel Advisories Canadian snowbirds who run into issues while traveling abroad should contact the local Canadian...Sat, 02 Dec 2017 23:06:32 -0500Snowbird Advisore3386b7a-5378-409e-bc0c-b67c89e8efd1A Snowbird’s guide to Florida’s hidden gems - East Coast & the Keyshttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/snowbirds-guide-floridas-hidden-gems-east-coast-keys
As our series on “hidden gems” for snowbirds continues, we turn our focus to some of the lesser-known attractions along Florida’s lengthy East Coast and in the Florida Keys. The area features so many interesting places and attractions, large and small, natural and man-made, and we’ve collected some of the best options for you to visit while you are spending your winter in Florida, or during your drive down or home. These attractions are also great for when family and friends come to visit. Miami The Ancient Spanish Monastery Located in North Miami Beach, the structure is really from the 12 th...Sat, 02 Dec 2017 22:51:56 -0500Snowbird Advisorc95b28fa-e642-4769-ad29-81ddbf5d7743Attention Snowbirds: Don’t ignore those U.S. speeding tickets! http://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/attention-snowbirds-dont-ignore-those-us-speeding-tickets
If you’re a Canadian snowbird who drives south for the winter, it’s likely that you’ll receive a U.S. traffic ticket at some point in time – whether it’s for speeding, a parking violation or something else. Some of our members have encountered this very issue, and have contacted us to get a better understanding of the consequences of receiving a traffic ticket in the U.S. and how to deal with it. Accordingly, we have created this guide to help you understand and deal with U.S. speeding tickets and other traffic violations. Consequences for Canadians who receive and ignore U.S. traffic tickets...Sat, 02 Dec 2017 22:40:20 -0500Snowbird Advisor224acc1a-5dc6-4d6a-9fc9-fa11a7f0ab20How long do Canadian passports need to be valid for snowbirds travelling to the U.S.?http://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/how-long-do-canadian-passports-need-be-valid-snowbirds-travelling-us
A common question among Canadian snowbirds is how long your passport needs to be valid to travel to the United States. The answer, unfortunately, isn’t as simple as it seems. While the U.S. requires travellers from many countries to have a passport that is valid for 6 months beyond their intended stay in the United States, this requirement does not apply to Canadian citizens, who only need to have a valid Canadian passport for the duration of their stay in the U.S. The exemption is valid whether you are entering the U.S. by air or by land. You can find more details about these passport...Tue, 07 Nov 2017 11:37:17 -0500Snowbird Advisorf47a19f0-556f-4aa7-9310-535106a5df1dWhat Items Can Canadian Snowbirds Bring to the U.S.?http://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/what-items-can-canadian-snowbirds-bring-us
For Canadian snowbirds, understanding what you can – and more importantly - cannot bring into the United States is essential. Unfortunately, it can be a challenge to find specific, official guidelines when it comes to U.S. import and duty rules. One reason is because the U.S. has several different government departments that regulate these items, and the guidelines can be complex and sometimes difficult to find. Another is that the rules, especially for food and drugs, can change swiftly - so it can be difficult to find accurate, up to date information. To help you navigate through the maze of...Tue, 07 Nov 2017 11:04:06 -0500Snowbird Advisor990e0cca-ec02-44a1-8eca-c8c549064132Cruise Booking Tips for Snowbirds During the Winterhttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/cruise-booking-tips-snowbirds-during-winter
If you’re a snowbird who spends your winters in Florida, Texas or California, you’ll want to explore the option of enjoying a cruise during your winter sojourn. Once you are in any of these Southern states, you’ll have access to nearby cruise ports you can drive to, which reduces the cost of taking a cruise substantially. You will also be in a position to take advantage of the great last minute deals that cruise lines offer for any unsold cabins. Popular winter cruise destinations Generally speaking, your cruise destination choices will be somewhat determined by the cruise port you choose....Tue, 07 Nov 2017 10:56:51 -0500Snowbird Advisorfd803f12-e60e-40f6-bb2d-f7b9407d020dA Snowbird’s Guide to Florida’s Hidden Gems – West Coast and Central Regionshttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/snowbirds-guide-floridas-hidden-gems-west-coast-and-central-regions
Many Canadian snowbirds spend several months in Florida over the winter, and while some tend to stay put wherever they have bought a second home, rented accommodations or parked their RV, others like to discover new parts of the state. Florida’s many man-made attractions are well known and a great place to take visiting family and friends, as are popular cities and towns along Florida’s coastline. But there’s another Florida just waiting to be discovered – some call it “Old Florida” but we like to think of it as “the Other Florida”. This is the Florida that most tourists will never see - and...Wed, 11 Oct 2017 10:01:25 -0400Snowbird Advisor3fd3cf55-bbbc-4ffb-93aa-403f2f77910dRenting Out Your Winter Vacation Home Can Offer Big Benefits for Canadian Snowbirds http://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/renting-out-your-winter-vacation-home-can-offer-big-benefits-canadian-snowbirds
If you’re a Canadian who owns property in the U.S. Sunbelt, there are several good reasons why you should consider renting it out. Renting your place out can reap big benefits and go a long way to paying your costs. A large number of Canadian snowbirds who own vacation homes in the U.S. are already renting out their homes for part - or all - of the winter season, according to Alain Forget, Head of Sales and Business Development at RBC Bank in the U.S. There are a wide range of reasons why Canadians rent out their U.S. properties, including: Helping to cover the overall costs of spending your...Mon, 09 Oct 2017 22:25:18 -0400Snowbird Advisor3aac58bd-ef5e-4197-9c63-ab6401f800f3Why Canadian Snowbird Who Own Vacation Homes Need Both Hurricane and Flood Insurancehttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/news/why-canadian-snowbird-who-own-vacation-homes-need-both-hurricane-and-flood-insurance-2017-09
With the recent devastation from Hurricane Irma in Florida and the Caribbean and Hurricane Harvey in Texas, Canadians who own real estate in Florida, Texas, Mexico the Caribbean and other “high risk” areas need to be vigilant in ensuring that they are protected from future natural disasters. While flooding and hurricanes are nothing new to these regions, it is surprising how few people actually have the proper insurance coverage they need. According to this CTV news article, less than 50% of properties in high risk flood areas in Florida have flood insurance coverage . This is often because...Wed, 13 Sep 2017 12:51:19 -0400Snowbird Advisor2a067c45-5812-4505-b42b-71dcadfa463bWhat Type of Travel Medical Insurance Plan is Best For Snowbirds?http://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/what-type-travel-medical-insurance-plan-best-snowbirds
For Canadian snowbirds, travel medical insurance is an absolute must. However, choosing the best type of travel insurance policy to meet your specific needs isn’t always easy. Snowbirds generally have the option to choose between two types of travel medical insurance plans: Single Trip Plans and Multi Trip Annual Plans . The type of policy that’s right for you – both from a coverage and pricing standpoint – will depend largely on your travel plans over the winter and throughout the year - and how long you expect to be outside your province of residence in one stretch. This practical guide can...Tue, 05 Sep 2017 23:21:24 -0400Snowbird Advisorb04111e2-1142-4045-88af-88900ec6d048Top 11 Bucket List Trips for Canadian Snowbirds!http://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/top-11-bucket-list-trips-canadian-snowbirds
Although some snowbirds travel to exotic destinations to escape the cold and snow in Canada, the majority usually winter in more familiar destinations like the Southern U.S., Mexico and Central America. But with time to travel, Canadian snowbirds who have disposable income are also working on their bucket list of places to see while they still can, either during their winters away or at other times during the year. In fact, many Canadians in their 60’s, 70’s and even early 80’s are travelling more than ever before, eager to see the world and visit places they didn’t have time to see while they...Mon, 31 Jul 2017 23:13:53 -0400Snowbird Advisor7c114bde-d5fe-4412-9ada-a1d98480baaaYour travel medical insurance premium is eligible for a tax credit!http://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/news/your-travel-medical-insurance-premium-eligible-tax-credit-2017-07-31
If you’re a snowbird, August is usually the time to start exploring your travel medical insurance options for the upcoming winter . Once you’ve decided on the right plan for you and purchased your travel insurance policy, make sure you save a copy of your invoice for your income tax file. Travel Medical Insurance premium costs are eligible for the CRA Medical Expense Tax Credit , along with other eligible uninsured medical expenses you incur while you are travelling outside Canada. Be aware that you’ll need to meet certain criteria to receive this tax credit, and the credit is not available...Mon, 31 Jul 2017 22:51:27 -0400Snowbird Advisor81c22b67-7d12-478f-9632-0f68080e48ceTrip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance – Top Tips for Canadian Snowbirdshttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/trip-cancellation-and-interruption-insurance-top-tips-canadian-snowbirds
While most Canadian snowbirds know that getting travel medical insurance coverage is an absolute must prior to leaving Canada for the winter, far fewer are aware of the benefits of trip cancellation & interruption insurance – whether it be for your winter trip or other vacations throughout the year. This often overlooked insurance option can be a big money saver if you ever need to cancel your trip or come home early. Snowbirds can use the following guide to better understand what trip cancellation & interruption insurance is, what it covers, how it works and whether or not it makes sense for...Mon, 31 Jul 2017 21:57:08 -0400Snowbird Advisor7cc9a6e6-8b52-4821-894a-d1c692c62a4eA Canadian Snowbird’s Guide to Spending the Winter on a Cruise Shiphttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/canadian-snowbirds-guide-spending-winter-cruise-ship
Spending the winter on a cruise ship may not come to mind as an option for most Canadian snowbirds - but it’s growing trend! More and more snowbirds are opting to take a “world cruise” or extended voyage on a ship, rather than stay put in a single warm location for the winter. World cruises don’t always literally go around the world, but they do cover large areas of the world on voyages of up to 120 days. Alternatively, if you don’t want to be on board a ship for longer than three or four weeks, there are many extended cruise ship voyages – or segments of cruise ship voyages - you can take....Mon, 03 Jul 2017 23:54:33 -0400Snowbird Advisorb63b5cd1-1434-4037-bfbe-2b329fafa04aA Snowbird’s Guide to Canadian Embassy and Consulate Locationshttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/snowbirds-guide-canadian-embassy-and-consulate-locations
When travelling outside Canada, it is always a good idea to know where the nearest Canadian consulate or embassy is located. Whether you find yourself with an expired, lost or stolen passport, or you’re in need of other assistance, a Canadian embassy or consulate can be a big help, particularly for snowbirds who spend extended periods away from home. To help you out, we’ve created a quick reference guide of Canadian consulates and embassies in popular snowbird destinations and on popular U.S. driving routes – arranged alphabetically by country. For the most up to date information, be sure to...Mon, 03 Jul 2017 23:40:07 -0400Snowbird Advisor1e74c2ea-0db7-4320-a6c9-57fab5544baeHow to Use your Canadian Credit Card at a U.S. Gas Stationhttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/news/how-use-your-canadian-credit-card-us-gas-station-2017-07-03
If you’re a Canadian and you’ve tried to pay for gas in the U.S. using a Canadian credit card, you’ve likely encountered the same frustrating experience as countless other Canadians: When you pay at the pump with a credit card at most U.S. gas stations, you are required to enter the 5-digit zip code associated with the billing address for your credit card in order to complete your transaction. The problem is, your Canadian credit card billing address will have a postal code, but no zip code . And if you’re thinking about using the zip code for the address where you are staying in the U.S.,...Mon, 03 Jul 2017 23:22:29 -0400Snowbird Advisor9f190d44-5607-47f7-8570-70ddd467cd40How Canadian Snowbirds Can Unlock the Equity in Their U.S. Vacation Homeshttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/how-canadian-snowbirds-can-unlock-equity-their-us-vacation-homes
If you’re a Canadian snowbird who owns U.S. real estate “free and clear” and you’re looking to access capital, getting a mortgage or home equity line of credit (HELOC) on your U.S. vacation property (commonly referred to as refinancing ) may be the ideal solution. Sound crazy? Not so much. A growing number of Canadian snowbirds who own vacation homes in the U.S. are doing just that, according to Alain Forget, Head of Sales and Business Development at RBC Bank in the U.S. According to the National Realtor Association, Canadians have purchased over $90 Billion USD of U.S. real estate since 2010,...Thu, 01 Jun 2017 22:31:04 -0400Snowbird Advisordb3237f0-d491-47f6-83ce-47b22106577aHow Long Can Canadian Snowbirds Visit Non-U.S. Countries?http://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/how-long-can-canadian-snowbirds-visit-non-us-countries
A growing number of snowbirds are seeking adventure and exotic experiences beyond the U.S. in retirement. This can mean spending the winter in Central or South America, parts of southern Europe or even Asia. If you’re thinking about spending your winter in a country other than the U.S., remember that each country has its own rules about how long you can stay, whether a visa is needed and other ad hoc rules for long term visitors. These rules differ from those covering how long Canadians can stay in the U.S. Before you plan to visit any of these places, make sure you know the rules. It’s also...Thu, 01 Jun 2017 21:36:38 -0400Snowbird Advisor5ccd8fb7-7e99-4d93-bf6c-7fb90eedcf60A Canadian Snowbird’s Introduction To the RV Lifestylehttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/canadian-snowbirds-introduction-rv-lifestyle
While many Canadian snowbirds have been living the RV lifestyle for quite some time, a recent trend has seen a significant increase in snowbirds choosing RVs over rental accommodations or vacation home ownership for their winters away from Canada. The trend has been driven largely by Baby Boomers, who are retiring in increasing numbers. These Boomers are re-inventing retirement by turning away from traditional winter vacation accommodations in favour of state of the art homes on wheels. The RV industry has actually been on the upswing for the last 15 years, largely due to Baby Boomers,...Thu, 01 Jun 2017 17:01:51 -0400Snowbird Advisor69a6cddc-21db-4b7a-9805-e89b32168b58How to Make a Travel Medical Insurance Claim – Top Tips for Canadian Snowbirdshttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/how-make-travel-medical-insurance-claim-top-tips-canadian-snowbirds
Filing a travel medical insurance claim can be a stressful and anxiety provoking process, even for the most experienced snowbirds - but it doesn’t have to be. Canadian snowbirds can usually make the claims process fast and easy and alleviate a lot of unnecessary stress by understanding the claims process, your responsibilities when seeking medical attention and what you need to do in the event of a claim. When does the claim process begin? While the claim process technically begins when you contact your insurance provider about a medical episode, in my view, the claim process actually begins...Wed, 03 May 2017 14:44:08 -0400Snowbird Advisor9097783d-c12e-4623-b6e3-741f261d2ab3A Canadian Snowbird’s Guide to Florida’s Best Attractionshttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/canadian-snowbirds-guide-floridas-best-attractions
When it comes to theme parks and other man-made and natural attractions, Florida probably has more attractions than anywhere in the U.S., and possibly even the world. And while many Canadian snowbirds visit these attractions on their own, they are of particular interest when family comes to visit and you’re looking for ways to keep the younger family members amused. Yes, the kids can be kept busy in the pool and at the beach, but there’s so much to see and do in Florida that most families take a side trip or two to visit some of the attractions in the area. Here’s a roundup of the top Florida...Wed, 03 May 2017 14:26:01 -0400Snowbird Advisorcef64889-d766-483e-8fd2-720342d45606A Snowbird’s Guide to Medical Tourismhttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/snowbirds-guide-medical-tourism
Medical Tourism is increasing in popularity among Canadian snowbirds travelling to the U.S., Mexico and beyond. If you’re considering having a medical procedure or treatment while spending your winter away from Canada, here’s an overview of what you need to know. What is Medical Tourism? According to the Medical Tourism Association, an international non-profit trade association for the medical tourism industry: “Medical Tourism is where people who live in one country travel to another country to receive medical, dental and surgical care while at the same time receiving equal to or greater care...Wed, 03 May 2017 12:37:22 -0400Snowbird Advisor40858f56-7b54-4dd0-9348-efba04c4d06bTop 10 Things Snowbirds Need to Start Planning Early for Next Seasonhttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/top-10-things-snowbirds-need-start-planning-early-next-season
While the snowbird season might end in April, the snowbird lifestyle requires planning throughout the year to avoid unnecessary stress and ensure your time away goes as smoothly as possible. So even though you might just be getting back to Canada and the long summer ahead makes next winter seem far away, just remember that it will be here before you know it! To help you get a head start on your winter escape next year, here’s our checklist of the top 10 items Canadian snowbirds should start planning for the following season as soon as they get back to Canada: 1) Secure your rental for next...Wed, 29 Mar 2017 16:40:26 -0400Snowbird Advisorae5fe6ba-f2bd-48b6-a80e-183aedea760fA Guide to Mexico for Canadian Snowbirdshttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/guide-mexico-canadian-snowbirds
While the vast majority of Canadian snowbirds still head to the United States every winter, the fall of the Canadian dollar has caused quite a number to look for more affordable alternative destinations. Not surprisingly, Mexico is probably the single largest destination after the U.S. for Canadian snowbirds. And this is not just a recent phenomenon. Canadians have been wintering in Mexico for decades, taking advantage of several different climate zones – all of them warm - and a very favourable exchange rate for the Canadian dollar. Mexico’s varied geography and wonderful mix of colonial...Wed, 29 Mar 2017 15:58:12 -0400Snowbird Advisor84607845-d782-4209-880e-03425a550b56Top Destinations for LGBTQ Snowbirdshttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/top-destinations-lgbtq-snowbirds
As some of our readers have pointed out, a small but significant number of Canadian snowbirds come from the LGBTQ community, and while LGBTQ snowbirds share many of the same needs and concerns as all snowbirds, they also have some more specific needs and concerns that must be considered when choosing where to travel. Accordingly, we convened a panel of LGBTQ snowbirds to learn more about their needs , concerns and preferred destinations and share their destination tips below with other LGBTQ snowbirds. Of course, not all members of this community will necessarily limit themselves to gay...Wed, 29 Mar 2017 15:35:23 -0400Snowbird Advisor5e7c3998-233b-4048-b4a8-eed1bd70f92cCanadian Snowbirds May Soon Be Able to Spend More Time in the U.S.http://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/news/canadian-snowbirds-may-soon-be-able-spend-more-time-us-2017-03-13
A proposed law aimed exclusively at snowbirds may soon allow Canadians to stay longer in the U.S. Currently, Canadians who spend more than 182 days in the United States are considered U.S. residents for tax purposes – a designation that can have severe negative tax consequences. But a new bill before Congress called the Promoting Tourism to Enhance our Economy Act of 2017 would allow Canadians age 55 or older to spend up to 240 days per year in the United States without being considered U.S. residents for tax purposes. To take advantage of the proposed legislation, snowbirds would be required...Mon, 13 Mar 2017 13:38:09 -0400Snowbird Advisor1739fbfc-63e8-46ef-8272-67257982b823Top Mortgage Tips for Canadian Snowbirds When Buying U.S. Real Estatehttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/top-mortgage-tips-canadian-snowbirds-when-buying-us-real-estate
Many current and future Canadian snowbirds are tempted by the relatively low cost of owning property in the U.S. and believe now is a good time to buy, as prices are likely to creep up as more and more Boomers retire and want their place in the sun. But while many Canadian snowbirds aspire to own a home or condo in their winter getaway destination, figuring out the best way to pay for it can often be a challenge. Using a mortgage to help finance your vacation properly can be a good option, but it’s important to understand what securing a mortgage in the U.S. entails first. Accordingly, we’ve...Thu, 02 Mar 2017 11:49:19 -0500Snowbird Advisor88f4dfd1-003d-4626-bf49-3dfd5c5bda02Top Tax Season Tips for Canadian Snowbirds Who Winter in the U.S.http://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/top-tax-season-tips-canadian-snowbirds-who-winter-us
With tax season fast approaching in Canada and the U.S., many Canadian snowbirds need to take special care when filing their tax returns, as snowbirds can be subject to a number of tax rules and requirements that often don’t affect other Canadians. Make sure you consider the following well in advance of the tax filing deadline every year to help avoid potentially major headaches and tax liabilities. Which snowbirds need to think about cross border tax filing issues and why: Canadians who own U.S. real estate Canadians who own U.S. real estate, that is for personal use only, do not have an...Thu, 02 Mar 2017 11:21:11 -0500Snowbird Advisor9f2dbcf9-ebd4-4ad1-ada3-e64fc68c5f22A Snowbird’s Guide to Southern Californiahttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/snowbirds-guide-southern-california
Southern California attracts its fair share of Canadian snowbirds in the winter, especially to the desert communities near Palm Springs, as well as the area around San Diego. The laid back California lifestyle and the proximity of Los Angeles and San Diego - as well as the dramatic mountain ranges and desert scenery - offer many options for keeping active and having lots to see and do. Oh yes, and then there’s the wine! The Southern California area is well served by airports with seasonal non-stop and connecting flights from Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto to Palm Springs, as well as year-round...Thu, 02 Mar 2017 11:03:37 -0500Snowbird Advisor0eeca6af-3bd0-47a7-8c8b-f83d6d465c71The Canadian Snowbird’s Checklist: Everything You Need to Do Before Heading Homehttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/canadian-snowbirds-checklist-everything-you-need-do-heading-home
At the end of March and into April, most Canadian snowbirds are heading home. However, there are several things to attend to before you depart to ensure a smooth transition home, so we’ve created a snowbird checklist to help you remember everything you need to take care of. To some extent, this is our Getting Ready to Leave for the Winter Checklist in reverse, but there are a few other considerations too. And remember, if you’ve been wintering in the U.S. you may be up against a definite deadline to get home to avoid being considered a U.S. resident for tax purposes or overstaying the number...Thu, 02 Mar 2017 10:40:25 -0500Snowbird Advisor9390f328-1a4c-44f5-ad21-d60782a29dbdSnowbird Driving Alert: I-75 closing southbound in Detroit for 2 yearshttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/news/snowbird-driving-alert-i-75-closing-southbound-detroit-2-years-2017-02-20
Image Source: U.S. Department of Transportation CORRECTION: The original version of this article had a typo stating that the detour was 305 miles. The detour is actually 35 miles . The typo has since been corrected. We apologize for any inconvenience. As of Saturday Feb. 4, 2017 a section of I-75 is now closed for 2 years to undergo a massive repair and reconstruction of bridges south of the Windsor Ambassador Bridge crossing. This will affect the many snowbirds and their families who use this route to travel south from Ontario to Florida. However, it will NOT affect the drive back to Canada,...Mon, 20 Feb 2017 21:54:44 -0500Snowbird Advisor139f3350-64d7-4c61-8291-603f82cfee9eTop Financial Planning Tips for Canadian Snowbirdshttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/top-financial-planning-tips-canadian-snowbirds
Canadian snowbirds have unique financial needs - which makes smart financial planning a must for those who want to enjoy the snowbird lifestyle. Spending your winters outside Canada doesn’t come cheap, and large currency fluctuations between the Canadian and U.S. dollars can seriously hinder your ability to travel and live outside Canada. The good news is that implementing proper financial planning strategies can usually help you achieve your goal of spending winters in the sun instead of the snow. To help get you started, consider these important snowbird financial planning tips and speak to...Fri, 03 Feb 2017 15:10:14 -0500Snowbird Advisorcb63e446-5e5a-42fa-8a14-b266a479fe03Tips for Renouncing your U.S. Citizenshiphttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/tips-renouncing-your-us-citizenship
There has been a lot of talk these days about U.S. citizens vowing to move to Canada –but actually, there is a case to be made for Canadian snowbirds who are dual Canadian/American citizens to consider renouncing their U.S. citizenship –and it has nothing to do with politics. There are two main considerations: The requirement for Americans to file tax returns annually with the IRS, often including many different disclosure forms, even if they have lived in Canada for years and pay their taxes to Canada. Being a dual citizen can make Canadian estate planning much more complicated than it needs...Fri, 03 Feb 2017 14:59:00 -0500Snowbird Advisor2f6d5882-7139-44c8-929f-d4861cb56ab3A Snowbird's Guide to Arizonahttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/snowbirds-guide-arizona
Credit: Bernard Spragg Beautiful, dry and sunny Arizona offers some of the Southwest’s most dramatic scenery and has long been a snowbird destination for thousands of Canadians each year, many of whom have purchased winter homes here or travel by RV each winter. Winter residents are big business in Arizona, contributing millions to the state’s economy. Most Canadian snowbirds in Arizona call Western Canada home. However, a growing number of snowbirds from Eastern Canada also migrate to Arizona in the winter, as it can be very affordable and has much to offer. Arizona shares its borders with...Fri, 03 Feb 2017 14:30:24 -0500Snowbird Advisor761c4b65-5e5a-41c5-87cc-4d2f0cc3dce7A Snowbird’s Guide to Hawaiihttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/snowbirds-guide-hawaii
Photo Credit: Dronepicr Hawaii has long been a favourite with Canadian snowbirds, particularly from Western Canada, due to its proximity in the central Pacific Ocean. America’s 50th State, Hawaii is the most northerly of the Polynesian islands and comprises 8 major islands along with hundreds of smaller volcanic islands. It is a true paradise on earth, offering dramatic scenery, extensive rainforests, warm ocean waters and public beaches, along with a perfect year-round tropical climate. There is a wide variety of accommodations in Hawaii, in particular on the islands of Oahu and Maui,...Tue, 03 Jan 2017 14:31:17 -0500Snowbird Advisor4ccd4772-3897-49db-98b5-4c11c4fbb30ePhone Plan Tips for Canadian Snowbirds and Staying In Touch Over the Winterhttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/phone-plan-tips-canadian-snowbirds-and-staying-touch-over-winter
If you’re planning on spending your winters outside Canada, keeping in touch with family and friends will be key. Finding the right phone and/or roaming plan is essential. Otherwise you could unexpectedly get stuck with outrageous long distance and roaming fees in the hundreds or even thousands of dollars. But the good news is, there are so many new ways that you can now keep in touch and most of them are very affordable. While most snowbirds now opt for mobile solutions, landline options are also available for those who prefer them and/or own a vacation home. Most rental units come with a...Tue, 03 Jan 2017 12:41:36 -0500Snowbird Advisor8aab5d7c-37b3-4174-805a-004b501bd52cRejected for Snowbird Travel Medical Insurance? You May Still Have Optionshttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/rejected-snowbird-travel-medical-insurance-you-may-still-have-options
In a previous article, I wrote about the underwriting process and what Canadian snowbirds can expect when answering medical questionnaires for emergency travel medical insurance. You may recall that medical questionnaires are often part of the application process for customers over a certain age, usually 60-years of age and older, and travelling for a specific number of days or more. The number 1 rule when completing the medical questionnaire is to always answer truthfully . If you have any doubts whatsoever about the medical condition(s) listed on the questionnaire, you should always consult...Tue, 03 Jan 2017 12:30:52 -0500Snowbird Advisor35861d49-237d-4ec0-a71d-538a4d2c02daA Snowbird’s Guide to Passports, NEXUS and other Travel Documentshttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/snowbirds-guide-passports-nexus-and-other-travel-documents
If you’re planning to get away for the winter, make sure you plan far in advance to have all the correct travel documents you will need for wherever you are going. There’s nothing worse than finding out two days before your trip - or worse, at the airport - that a passport has expired or is about to. Today it is more important than ever to have your documents in order, as you will find zero flexibility on this. Equally, many countries have changed their requirements in recent years and often require that a passport remain valid for up to 6 months after you plan to return from your trip. This...Mon, 21 Nov 2016 14:03:29 -0500Snowbird Advisor1bde359d-6082-4090-b06f-3c4edf56d5c5A Snowbird’s Guide to Understanding Travel Medical Insurance “Stability Periods”http://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/snowbirds-guide-understanding-travel-medical-insurance-stability-periods
Many Snowbirds are not aware of some of the terms and conditions found in their travel insurance policies, in particular, the need for a medical condition(s) to be “stable”. When you review your travel insurance policy, you may come across references to condition(s) needing to “stable” during the “stability period”. When applying for travel insurance, the insurer will require that your medical condition(s) be stable during the stability period, which can be 90-days, 180-days or longer, depending on the insurer. So, how does the need for a stability period come about? Typically, once an...Mon, 21 Nov 2016 13:46:56 -0500Snowbird Advisor671cea38-aaf2-40ed-b4b3-02ea6ad6ac88A Canadian Snowbird's Guide to Texashttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/canadian-snowbirds-guide-texas
Texans fondly refer to all snowbirds, whether from Canada or the Northern U.S., as “Winter Texans” and all snowbirds, regardless of their origin, receive a warm Texan welcome. Southern Texas is a major snowbird destination offering a mild, subtropical climate --and it is generally more affordable than some other snowbird destinations in the United States. Destinations within the state include Houston and nearby Galveston, the Corpus Christi area and the more southerly region of South Padre Island, Brownsville, Harlingen and McAllen. Snowbirds are also attracted to historic and lovely San...Mon, 21 Nov 2016 13:20:49 -0500Snowbird Advisor0e8cd318-a5fe-4898-881f-312cf2e606afThe Inside Scoop on Travel Insurance Medical Questionnaires for Snowbirdshttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/inside-scoop-travel-insurance-medical-questionnaires-snowbirds
For Canadian snowbirds, completing a medical questionnaire is often the most important, and sometimes a confusing part of applying for travel insurance. How you complete a medical questionnaire for your travel insurance can mean the difference between being covered and having your claim denied. Don’t find out the hard way that your claim is denied because you failed to answer the medical questionnaire properly. You will find a lot of information in this article, but if you have any further questions, be sure to call your insurance provider before your trip for clarification. Typically,...Tue, 25 Oct 2016 15:40:26 -0400Snowbird Advisor2d979548-54a4-45f9-869a-f2d478baaf06Travelling with Medication to the U.S. - a Canadian Snowbird’s Guide http://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/travelling-medication-us-canadian-snowbirds-guide
Most Canadian snowbirds need to take a supply of prescription medication with them when travelling to their winter home. If you fall into this category, it is imperative that you know the rules or risk having your medication confiscated at the border. While this guide focuses on travel to the U.S., the same principle applies if you plan on visiting other counties as well, so no matter where you’re travelling, it’s critical that you check the rules and regulations in advance surrounding which drugs and medication you can – and more importantly cannot-- bring with you. It’s equally important to...Tue, 25 Oct 2016 15:09:29 -0400Snowbird Advisor97a9b8a0-5430-4634-8c11-bb4fb9e9ef98Guide to Florida’s East Coast for Canadian Snowbirdshttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/guide-floridas-east-coast-canadian-snowbirds
The East coast of Florida offers up golden sands, navigable, calm inland waterways and the warm Atlantic Ocean. It has been attracting Canadian snowbirds for decades, initially to Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Boca Raton and West Palm Beach, which were the winter homes of many prominent American families for the past 100 years and more. More recently, many parts of the East coast have been developed to accommodate the growing numbers of Canadian and American snowbirds seeking some winter warmth, as well as the large numbers of people moving to Florida year round. If you’re looking for a place to...Tue, 25 Oct 2016 13:18:41 -0400Snowbird Advisor5f785921-ff16-41f4-9896-4bbbebd486d2The Canadian Snowbird’s Checklist – Everything You Need to Do Before You Gohttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/canadian-snowbirds-checklist-everything-you-need-do-you-go
UPDATED - October 2018 If you’re an experienced snowbird you already know that being away for an extended amount of time in the winter requires considerable planning and organization to avoid issues and make sure your trip goes smoothly. With so many things to attend to before you depart for your winter in the sun, our annually updated snowbird checklist is a handy tool to help you remember everything you need to take care of. If you’re a new snowbird going away for the first time this coming winter, this checklist will be particularly helpful. And for you experienced snowbirds - you just...Thu, 13 Oct 2016 11:00:34 -0400Snowbird Advisor1d83c0cf-5aa1-4f87-a936-8968d3f65ffbSnowbirds – Plan Your Escape, Canada is in for a Brutal Winter in 2017!http://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/news/snowbirds-plan-your-escape-canada-brutal-winter-2017-2016-10-11
Although most of Canada has been enjoying a mild fall after a beautiful summer, Canadian snowbirds shouldn’t be lulled into a false sense of security that this winter will be mild like last year, according to the Canadian Farmer’s Almanac.Tue, 11 Oct 2016 12:02:27 -0400Snowbird Advisor316ed9bc-45c9-4deb-b57e-92a7ecaebbb5How Canadian Snowbirds Can Run into Trouble in the U.S. and Canadahttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/how-canadian-snowbirds-can-run-trouble-us-and-canada
There are a number of ways that Canadian snowbirds can run into difficulties on both sides of the border, with many related to either spending too much time in the U.S. or not enough time in Canada. Make sure you’re aware of the following issues, and any applicable time limits and rules surrounding them, to avoid running into problems. For some of these scenarios, it’s a good idea to get advice from an accountant or lawyer who specializes in cross border tax and legal issues. U.S. Issues 1. Tax issues – There are various ways that Canadians snowbirds can attract tax consequences in the U.S.,...Thu, 22 Sep 2016 12:37:28 -0400Snowbird Advisor8a6b0d7f-37a4-4520-9258-17d8039a655eA Canadian Snowbird’s Guide to the West Coast of Floridahttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/canadian-snowbirds-guide-west-coast-florida
Florida has the largest number of snowbirds each winter – and not only from Canada but from the U.S. as well. Its proximity by car to Eastern Canada and the Northeastern and Central U.S. has made it a natural place to head to in the winter months. It has a mild, sub- tropical climate and long stretches of coastline, inland waterways and lakes.Thu, 22 Sep 2016 12:16:06 -0400Snowbird Advisorb7c4886f-7349-4f8b-95bd-60b1eb73ac38Snowbird Guide to Renting Out Your Canadian Residence for the Winterhttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/snowbird-guide-renting-out-your-canadian-residence-winter
If you spend most of the winter outside Canada, you may want to explore the opportunity to rent out your Canadian home while you’re away. Renting out your Canadian residence can have a number of benefits, including helping to cover the costs of your winters away. The extra income can be used to supplement or even offset the cost of your winter home or rental. Another benefit is that your home will be lived in and therefore you won’t have to find someone to inspect it daily or every other day, to meet your insurance requirements. Finally, your home will be occupied, which will deter break-ins,...Thu, 22 Sep 2016 11:38:57 -0400Snowbird Advisor91213f6d-a802-4463-a191-62976837a690Snowbird Guide to Bringing Your Pets to the U.S. for the Winterhttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/snowbird-guide-bringing-your-pets-us-winter
Canadian snowbirds who own cats or dogs will of course want to bring them to the U.S. for the winter each year. Whether you are travelling by air or by car, the rules for bringing in a pet are essentially the same, but what’s involved is vastly different and requires a lot of planning and organization. Read on for tips and guidelines to help you prepare for either mode of transport. Requirements to bring your pets to the U.S. First of all, your pet must be healthy, look healthy and be well groomed or it can be turned away. It is required that all pets are up to date with rabies shots and other...Thu, 22 Sep 2016 09:06:18 -0400Snowbird Advisor90509bb8-ba76-46a8-9663-91eea0d443f5WIN $100 Towards Snowbird Travel Insurance!http://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/contests/win-100-towards-snowbird-travel-insurance
We're giving away 3 prizes of $100 towards snowbird travel medical insurance! Sponsored By: SnowbirdAdvisor.ca Contest is open to all Canadian residents age 55 or older ( excluding Quebec ). We apologize to our friends in Quebec, but provincial contest rules prohibit us from offering contests to Quebec residents. Contest closes Monday, October 31, 2016 at 6:00 pm EST . Contest winners will receive a $100 voucher from SnowbirdAdvisor.ca. To redeem your voucher, simply provide us with proof of purchase for any travel medical insurance policy purchased from a licensed Canadian travel insurance...Mon, 29 Aug 2016 15:10:24 -0400Snowbird Advisor4ed22d21-be12-42ef-8f7a-c30e02407b6c7 Tips for Saving Money on Snowbird Travel Medical Insurancehttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/7-tips-saving-money-snowbird-travel-medical-insurance
Every year when the late summer and early fall rolls around, Canadian snowbirds are prompted to seek out or renew their travel medical insurance. While getting the right coverage should be your primary goal, everyone wants to save money wherever they can. So, here are our top tips on how Canadians can save money on snowbird travel insurance: 1. Review Multiple Policies Annually Yes, this is time consuming, but if you don’t compare multiple policies every year, you could miss out on opportunities to save money on snowbird insurance. As you age, you may find that other vendors have better...Tue, 16 Aug 2016 07:24:50 -0400Snowbird Advisor1d82a528-d9c8-4e4a-bd60-2086e34af019How to Permanently Import Your Car to the U.S. from Canadahttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/how-permanently-import-your-car-us-canada
If you’re a snowbird who owns a winter home in the U.S., sooner or later you’ll ask yourself whether it would make sense to keep a car there permanently. It might be that you’re tired of the expense and time spent driving back and forth – or it might be that you want an extra vehicle for all your visiting family and friends. Whatever the reason, you may decide to leave one of your cars at your U.S. home year-round, in which case you will have to take the following steps in order to be compliant with U.S. law. Remember, you can only have your Canadian licensed car in the U.S. for up to one year...Mon, 15 Aug 2016 15:49:26 -0400Snowbird Advisor83fef31c-980e-4ef9-94d3-48b582371460Rent or Buy? The Accommodation Dilemma for Canadian Snowbirds!http://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/rent-or-buy-accommodation-dilemma-canadian-snowbirds
There are many views on the pros and cons of buying vs. renting your winter vacation home, and people are persuaded one way or the other for a myriad of reasons. When it comes to buying, some people plunge right in and buy the first time they visit a destination on holiday. Others take a more cautious approach, renting for a few years so they can get to know a particular destination – and maybe even check out a few other destinations – eventually buying something when they decide on a place they want to return to year after year. Still others invest in a vacation home while they are in their...Mon, 15 Aug 2016 13:42:23 -0400Snowbird Advisor8aba8671-ef45-4acb-b707-d1c1a3cea847Top 7 Tips when Shopping for Snowbird Travel Insurancehttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/top-7-tips-when-shopping-snowbird-travel-insurance
While buying travel medical insurance is a must for every Canadian snowbird, shopping for the right policy can be a time consuming and frustrating task. With dozens of options available, it’s hard to know if you’re getting the right coverage at the best possible price. To further complicate matters, it seems that everybody is getting in on the act of selling snowbird travel medical insurance these days, including travel agents, associations and even financial planners. To help you save time and money and find the best policy to meet your needs, follow these essential tips and strategies: 1)...Tue, 05 Jul 2016 16:17:00 -0400Snowbird Advisor1f44ef79-5306-45ce-b7f5-4347691ff50eTop Tips for Working with an Agent to Buy U.S. Real Estatehttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/top-tips-working-agent-buy-us-real-estate
So you’ve decided to look into buying a vacation home in the U.S., probably after visiting or renting for a winter or two in an area you really enjoy and see yourself returning to for many years. Or, like many, maybe you’re finding it harder and harder to secure a rental unit for your winters down South. Whatever your reason, now that you’ve got the destination picked out and you’ve made the decision to take the plunge –what’s next? Buying a vacation property is a big commitment and finding the right place can be a daunting task, especially when you’re not a local. The first step is to find a...Tue, 05 Jul 2016 13:23:42 -0400Snowbird Advisor362942a4-6d02-4788-a889-bf555f3e7461How to Save on Airfare - Top 7 Tips for Canadian Snowbirds!http://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/how-save-airfare-top-7-tips-canadian-snowbirds
While some Canadian snowbirds drive south for the winter, many fly to and from their winter destinations, and for those of you wintering outside North America, flying is your only option. To help you save on airfare and find the best flight deals, our snowbird travel experts have offered up their top tips and strategies. 1. When to Book Airlines typically allow you to book fares at least one year ahead of your departure date, so there’s no such thing as booking too soon. Yes, you can sometimes get sales closer to the time of your departure, but then you’re gambling that a sale will come up and...Mon, 04 Jul 2016 15:15:06 -0400Snowbird Advisor9350dafe-9b82-4de6-a471-31fabd785ce0SnowbirdAdvisor.ca has Officially Launched!http://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/news/snowbirdadvisorca-has-officially-launched-2016-05-15
Canadian snowbirds now have a one-stop, easy to use resource to help you navigate through all the information you’ll need. Whether you’re an experienced snowbird or just starting out, we’re confident you’ll make us your go-to resource.Sun, 15 May 2016 14:54:43 -0400Snowbird Advisorb4aeef65-ed08-48a3-947f-4bc400e4b131Canada and U.S. Move Closer to Sharing Snowbird Travel Detailshttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/news/canada-and-us-move-closer-sharing-snowbird-travel-details-2016-05-15
While not fully implemented, the Canadian and U.S. governments are moving closer to an integrated system that will seamlessly track and share all travel data between the United States and Canada.Sun, 15 May 2016 03:29:44 -0400Snowbird Advisorb4faab5d-ef53-4f42-9a14-205cf5bccb16Top 11 Snowbird Tips for Driving Your Car to the U.S.http://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/top-11-snowbird-tips-driving-your-car-us
For many Canadian snowbirds, driving your own car to your southern destination has a number of advantages, including being an enjoyable experience if you choose to stop at interesting places along the way.Wed, 11 May 2016 13:35:00 -0400Snowbird Advisor62bd670f-4de9-4669-b34c-9c8bfe5f0feaGetting Your Vehicle to the U.S. for the Winter - 4 Options for Canadian Snowbirds http://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/getting-your-vehicle-us-winter-4-options-canadian-snowbirds
The vast majority of snowbirds will want their own car in their destination of choice for the winter. Long term car rentals can be expensive and one of the attractions of wintering in the Southern U.S. is that it is possible to drive, or have your car driven, or transported, relatively easily.Tue, 10 May 2016 12:57:01 -0400Snowbird Advisor42b17c20-1f42-4d36-9213-11832ed59d0fTop 10 Tips for Canadian Snowbirds to Combat a Weak Looniehttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/top-10-tips-canadian-snowbirds-combat-weak-loonie
A weaker Canadian dollar is a major concern for snowbirds who normally winter in the southern United States. However, a lower Loonie doesn’t have to be a reason to change or cancel your plans, as there are a number of ways to mitigate the effects of a lower dollar. In fact, many things are so much cheaper in the U.S. that even with the exchange rate, you can still break even or come out ahead.Tue, 10 May 2016 09:40:07 -0400Snowbird Advisor4b8a10c7-cef7-4dc1-b201-46e5300c16c4Fort Lauderdale – A Paradise for Canadian Snowbirdshttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/fort-lauderdale
Beautiful Fort Lauderdale boasts an ideal location on the southeast coast of Florida, right between Palm Beach and Miami. A hip smaller city, “The Fort” is a quirky combination of upscale yachting center, cosmopolitan urban area and laid-back beach town.Tue, 10 May 2016 09:31:30 -0400Snowbird Advisora6c58068-4f02-4899-b806-6a8b7f167802U.S. Residency Calculator for Canadian Snowbirdshttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/us-residency-calculator
Check to see if you’re a U.S. resident for tax purposes! Our U.S. residency calculator lets Canadian snowbirds estimate how many days you can spend in the U.S. before being considered a U.S. resident for tax purposesMon, 25 Apr 2016 15:12:15 -0400Snowbird Advisor1e2dbfe8-ff74-4355-8ac6-d21377f968e2Top 5 Currency Exchange Tips for Canadian Snowbirdshttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/top-5-currency-exchange-tips-canadian-snowbirds
Currency conversion can be a big expense for Canadian snowbirds who spend a significant amount of time in the United States, depending on the current rate of exchange.Wed, 20 Apr 2016 13:32:34 -0400Snowbird Advisore39a2d47-3528-4f1d-bc41-c8c7acf0abc3Top 10 Rental Accommodation Tips for Canadian Snowbirdshttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/top-10-rental-accommodation-tips-canadian-snowbirds
The majority of snowbirds choose to rent accommodations instead of buying a vacation property when first starting out, which is certainly the wise thing to do. The general rule of thumb is that if you’re only going to stay 3 months or less, then renting makes more sense than owning in terms of costs.Mon, 11 Apr 2016 14:43:18 -0400Snowbird Advisorf5a3f0c1-5089-4ae6-8ab7-ffc9fa46ec6fTop 10 Snowbird Considerations for Buying U.S. Real Estatehttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/top-10-snowbird-considerations-buying-us-real-estate
Canadian snowbirds have been investing in U.S. real estate and vacation properties for decades, and while buying a foreign vacation home can be a great option for many, it’s a major commitment and a decision that should never be taken lightly.Mon, 21 Mar 2016 11:37:51 -0400Snowbird Advisor79a75c67-765f-47e2-bf52-821621e8f38fThe Best U.S. Destinations for Canadian Snowbirdshttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/best-us-destinations-for-canadian-snowbirds
If you’re a Canadian snowbird in search of the perfect warm weather destination to escape winter, the United States offers endless options to satisfy the needs of every budget and lifestyle. The close proximity of the U.S. to Canada, ease of access, familiar language, laws and culture and high quality health care make it the ideal winter getaway option for many Canadian snowbirds.Sun, 31 Jan 2016 16:23:15 -0500Snowbird Advisorfc70a4b0-e48c-4da4-a403-3d915cf229ffU.S. Residency Rules Every Canadian Snowbird Must Knowhttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/us-residency-rules-every-canadian-snowbird-must-know
Every year, over 1 million Canadian seniors and retirees pack up and move to the southern United States for the winter to enjoy the warm weather and avoid the freezing temperatures at home.Sun, 31 Jan 2016 13:33:41 -0500Snowbird Advisorb8dccb93-5066-4400-b747-2f330b92a86dMap of Canadian Snowbird Destinationshttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/destinations
Explore over 70 popular snowbird destinations for Canadians! Our snowbird destination map is a great starting point to help you visualize destination possibilities. Whether you're looking for popular hot-spots, up-and-coming destinations or hidden gems, you'll find options for every budget and lifestyle!Sun, 31 Jan 2016 06:54:46 -0500Snowbird Advisor0ae84c9a-ae84-4bf0-8166-8e74c083e248Travel Medical Insurance Secrets - What Canadian Snowbirds REALLY Need to Knowhttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/travel-medical-insurance-secrets-what-canadian-snowbirds-really-need-know
Snowbird travel medical insurance policies are full of legalese that can be difficult, if not impossible to understand, and as with any contract, the devil is in the details.Sat, 30 Jan 2016 12:19:45 -0500Snowbird Advisor9ca59418-a82f-4509-b500-a5964ce727ddTop Cross Border Banking Tips for Canadian Snowbirdshttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/top-cross-border-banking-tips-canadian-snowbirds
Once upon a time, it may have made sense for Canadian snowbirds to open U.S. dollar bank accounts or credit cards with U.S. banks. However, with recent advances in technology and new cross border banking solutions for Canadians, the need to have U.S. based banking services has become mostly obsolete.Fri, 29 Jan 2016 16:32:45 -0500Snowbird Advisorb1bef192-caa4-450e-aeab-075229564d11How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost for Canadian Snowbirds?http://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/how-much-does-travel-insurance-cost-canadian-snowbirds
If you’re in the dark about how much snowbird travel insurance should cost, you’re not alone. With so many different policies, brokers and options available, it’s almost impossible to know if your medical travel insurance premiums are reasonable or if you could be saving elsewhere.Fri, 29 Jan 2016 16:30:36 -0500Snowbird Advisord91e63a2-6b38-45de-a000-b11fdd6b6322Get U.S. Tax Forms for Canadian Snowbirdshttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/get-us-tax-forms-canadian-snowbirds
Depending on your situation, some Canadian snowbirds may need to file certain forms with the IRS to avoid tax issues in the United States. To help you out, we've created a list of the IRS forms most commonly used by Canadian snowbirds, a summary of what each form is used for and links to fillbale versions of the forms.Thu, 28 Jan 2016 12:19:57 -0500Snowbird Advisor024fb608-218a-443e-8a00-cbd6177dafdbSnowbird Travel Insurance Nightmares – Don’t Let This Happen to You!http://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/snowbird-travel-insurance-nightmares-dont-let-happen-you
If you’re over 55 and travel outside Canada, you’re probably familiar with the dreaded medical questionnaire you need to complete when applying for medical travel insurance for seniors and snowbirds.Thu, 28 Jan 2016 11:02:09 -0500Snowbird Advisor324fbc98-ff8f-40b7-8600-ed60a1bad7b6Snowbirds, Don't Risk Losing Your Provincial Health Care Insurance!http://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/snowbirds-dont-risk-losing-your-provincial-health-care-insurance
Every province and territory has residency rules that must be followed in order to remain eligible for government health insurance coverage - stay out of the country too long, and you run the risk of being ineligible and losing your health card privileges.Wed, 27 Jan 2016 16:32:33 -0500Snowbird Advisorf921c460-296b-4626-9400-a7b1eba27329Top International Destinations for Canadian Snowbirdshttp://www.snowbirdadvisor.ca/top-international-destinations-canadian-snowbirds
While the majority of Canadian snowbirds still flock to the United States, a growing number are becoming more adventurous and choosing exotic destinations further afield. This is especially true when the Canadian dollar is weak against the U.S, dollar. By going to other countries, you can often avoid having to use U.S. dollars, covering most or all of your costs in the more affordable local currency.Mon, 11 Jan 2016 14:55:39 -0500Snowbird Advisor53075863-78a9-4f20-b131-e8fa9c0feff6